The Kennedy Center Announces Upcoming Season Plans
The Kennedy Center’s prestigious opera company and symphony orchestra revealed on Thursday their ambitious plans for the upcoming season, marking the first comprehensive season since President Trump assumed leadership of the institution. In a notable development, however, one significant work will not be part of the lineup: “Fellow Travelers,” an opera by Gregory Spears and Greg Pierce that explores a romantic relationship between two men in the 1950s government environment. The creators decided to withdraw the piece due to concerns regarding Trump’s administration, as disclosed in a letter obtained by The New York Times.
The Washington National Opera has announced that the 2025-26 season will feature a mix of traditional classics, such as Verdi’s “Aida,” alongside less frequently performed pieces like “Treemonisha,” an opera composed by renowned ragtime musician Scott Joplin. Meanwhile, the National Symphony Orchestra is set to present staple works by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, in addition to new compositions from current composer in residence, Carlos Simon, as well as notable works by Valerie Coleman and others.
In light of the political sensitivities surrounding the Kennedy Center, the leaders of both the opera and symphony chose not to engage in interviews regarding the upcoming season. The institution has faced considerable upheaval since President Trump enacted a significant reshuffling of its previously bipartisan board, displacing Biden appointees and electing himself as chairman. This move has sparked a backlash, leading some artists to withdraw from planned performances in protest, including the highly acclaimed musical “Hamilton,” which has canceled a scheduled tour next year at the venue.
While the classical music sector typically operates on a multi-year planning cycle, and has largely remained insulated from recent political turbulence, the creators of “Fellow Travelers” confirmed this week that they are officially withdrawing the opera from the upcoming season, which was initially slated for its Washington debut next year.
